Globalethics.net

Globethics.net is a worldwide ethics network based in Geneva, with an international Board of Foundation of eminent persons. It provides an electronic platform for ethical reflection and action. Its central instrument is the Homepage of Globalethics.net.

The end of the cold war; spreading democratization; a shift in balance
among the state, the market and civil society; globalization; and changing
social mores — among other factors — are altering the environment
in which governments are operating. The explosion of new information and
communication technologies is also allowing for a rapid, global diffusion
of ideas and practices, enabling the public to demand higher standards
of ethics, transparency and accountability in the public sector. These
prerequisite values of good governance and sustainable development not
only buttress responsive public policy and high levels of public sector
performance but also play a crucial role in preventing the onset of systemic
corruption. There is now international recognition that corruption impedes
economic development, undermines stability and erodes trust in public
institutions. The pernicious effects of corruption — the lack or
poor quality of essential public infrastructure and services — are
borne by those the least able to do so: the poor.

Given its mandate of fostering good governance and sound public administration
in development, the Division for Public Administration and Development
Management (DPADM) supports setting international standards, carries out
comparative policy research and analysis, and assists in building capacity
in institutions safeguarding public sector ethics, transparency and accountability.
The Division's activities are predicated on the analysis that corruption
is one symptom of poor administration and mismanagement. These situations
allow unscrupulous public officials to exploit opportunities for putting
self above public interest, contrary to the spirit of public service.
Moreover, the Division's activities also seek to preserve the integrity
of other "honest" public officials by putting into place an
"ethics infrastructure" that not only provides guidance for
good conduct but also administratively and legally punishes misconduct.
The "ethics infrastructure" includes measures to enhance and
preserve organizational integrity, access to information that promotes
transparency and accountability, and oversight by independent institutions
and the public at large. In conducting its activities in this area, the
Division has tried to best leverage the United Nations' uniquely global
membership, through fostering international dialogue and the exchange
of experiences.

Abstract: This paper discusses a resurgence of integrity, transparency and accountability in public administrations within the past three decades; developments in European, Arab, Sub-Saharan, Latin American and Asia-Pacific countries in this area; developments at the international level; and emerging issues for developed, developing and all countries.

Abstract: This report presents a qualitative analysis of the state of public sector transparency and accountability in the Arab Region. A comparison of policies and practices for the six countries under study (Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Sudan, Tunisia and Yemen) serves as the basis for this report. The comparative information has been compiled into an online database at Transparency and Accountability in the Public Sector in the Arab Region. Because the participating countries were chosen to be representative, the main findings and policy recommendations may also be applicable to other countries in the region. In addition, country case studies have been annexed to provide country-specific analysis and policy recommendations. The study is based on a review of pertinent documents at the policy level and a survey of experts at the practice level

Abstract: Professional ethics for the civil service is today a very complex matter. While there is increasing agreement, including at the international level, about what to do to curb official corruption, comparable agreement about how to answer the central daily ethics question, namely, "What is my ethical duty, in terms of the public interest, in this matter?" is continually elusive. The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, with the African Training Research Centre in Administration for Development (CAFRAD), has developed a CD-ROM and training manual on ethical dilemmas (nepotism, favoritism, etc.) to which every civil servant may be daily exposed. These training materials place emphasis on action rather than theory.

Abstract: This publication contains a summary of the discussions and background papers of the Seoul Anti-Corruption Symposium 2001. It contributes to the fight against corruption, better public administration and ultimately good governance.

Abstract: The OPEN (Online Procedures Enhancement for Civil Applications) System adopted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government is a dynamic system that makes available real time information on the status of an application for a permit, licence or some other municipal-level service currently in process until finalization. This manual on the OPEN System was developed in partnership with the Seoul Metropolitan Government and reviewed by peers at the Seoul Anti-Corruption Symposium 2001.

Abstract: This study compares the ethics legislation, policies, programmes and practices of ten sub-Saharan countries: Cameroon, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, and Uganda. Volume 1 presents an overview of the study findings from which other sub-Saharan countries can draw lessons. Volume 2 compiles country-level reports, provided by the national consultants for the project, highlighting the individual contexts and concerns of the participating countries.

Abstract: The report contains the proceedings of the meeting of the Third Pan-African Conference of Ministers of Civil Service, held in Namibia, 5-6 February 2001, to discuss the role of African institutes of training in public administration and to analyse the changing environment to which the public service in Africa must respond. The report outlines the Charter for the Public Service in Africa adopted at the Conference.

Abstract: This issue highlights the activities of the Division for Public Administration and Management Development of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, under the theme of public service professionalism and ethics. Some of the activities described were introduced in past issues of the Newsletter and are updated in this issue.

African Public Service: New Challenges, Professionalism and Ethics (2000):

Abstract: This publication is the report of the Second Pan-African Conference of Ministers of Civil Service, attended by ministers and high-level representatives of 35 countries, held in Rabat, Morocco in December 1998. The event was co-organized by United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs and the African Training Research Centre in Administration for Development (CAFRAD) and hosted by the Kingdom of Morocco. The report discusses the need for the public services in Africa to reposition themselves in the face of globalization and in the aftermath of structural adjustment programmes.

Abstract: This report provides an overview of conferences on professionalism and ethics in the public service, co-organized by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs in 1997 and 1998. Based on the proceedings of these events, the report presents case studies in Africa, Brazil as well as Central and Eastern European countries.

Abstract: This publication is a report of a national conference on public service ethics, held in Brasilia, Brazil in December 1997. The conference was co-organized by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs with the Brazilian Ministry of Federal Administration and State Reform and the Council of State Reform. The report discusses public service ethics within a state reform towards a managerial form of administration and provides an example of ethics programmes in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Abstract: This publication is a report of a regional conference of 21 Central and Eastern European countries on public service professionalism and ethics, held in Thessaloniki, Greece in November 1997. The conference was co-organized by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the United Nations Development Programme and the Government of Greece. The report focuses on the challenges faced by countries adopting a new role for the State in introducing and reinforcing measures in upholding public service professionalism and ethics.

Abstract: This document is a report of an online Ad Hoc Expert Group Meeting on Effecting Transparency and Accountability in Government Financial Management, organized by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs in June 1997. The focus of the Meeting was on weaknesses in systems of accountability and transparency that facilitate unethical behaviour, and the aim was to suggest solutions to these weaknesses. The report comprises a basic issues paper by the UN Secretariat, country papers covering: Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Swaziland and Uganda, and a Report of the Experts.

Role of SAIs in fighting corruption and mismanagement: report on the 12th
UN/INTOSAI seminar on government auditing ( 1997)

Abstract: Report of a seminar held in Vienna, 21-25 October 1996. It discusses general aspects of fighting corruption; the role of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) in detecting mismanagement and inefficiency; and strategies and measures to control corruption in public administration. It also looks at the role of SAIs in promoting efficient and effective financial management and their contribution to prevent and detect corruption in public procurement.

Aid Management and Accountability Initiative (1996)

Abstract: In a global environment, effective aid management has become a critical concern to donors and recipients alike, as has funds accountability. To address this issue, the Division for Public Administration and Development Management organized an aid accountability project funded by a consortium of donors. This project dealt with: (1) profiles of individual donor aid accountability requirements; (2) case studies of aid management and accountability issues in selected recipient countries; (3) the Aid Management and Accountability Framework (AMAF); and (4) customization of the AMAF in three least developed countries in 1994. During this process the programme has accumulated a unique body of data and experience in aid management and accountability requirements at the global level. The field work indicates there is no standardized solution to aid management and accountability issues. Against this backdrop, the AMAF provides an analytical approach to assessing aid management and accountability capabilities and needs in this important area for resources mobilization.

Report of the Third Working Group Meeting on Harmonization of Donors' Aid Accountability Requirements (1993)

Abstract: The report covers aid management and accountability procedures in a number of developing countries, presents the framework for harmonizing aid management and accountability suggested by the group of experts, and reviews the proposed project work plan for the future.

Corruption in Government: Report of an Interregional Seminar (1990)

Abstract: This report has two parts. Part one covers: (1) national responses; (2) the emerging concerns of illicit drug traffic, debt and economic adjustment, and abuse of state power; (3) administrative implications of government corruption; (4) institutional and practical measures against corruption; (5) corruption and the criminal justice system; and (6) priorities and recommendations. Part two contains three papers prepared for the seminar by experts from Greece, Guyana, and Poland.

Charter for the Public Service in Africa
United Nations Economic and Social Council/General Assembly document (A/56/63-E/2001/21)
Letter Dated 11 April 2001 from the Permanent Representative of Namibia to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-GeneralArabicChineseEnglishFrenchRussianSpanish

Ibero-American Charter for the Public Service
United Nations Economic and Social Council/General Assembly document (A/58/193)
Letter dated 28 July 2003 from the Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the Permanent Mission of Bolivia to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General

Seoul Anti-Corruption Symposium 2001
United Nations General Assembly document (A/C.3/56/6)
Letter Dated 23 October 2001 from the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-GeneralArabicChineseEnglishFrenchRussianSpanish

Resolution Adopted by the General Assembly - Preventing and Combating Corrupt Practices and Illegal Transfer of Funds and Repatriation of Such Funds to the Countries of Origin (A/RES/55/188)ArabicChineseEnglishFrenchRussianSpanishGerman